Jim was named president and a trustee of the Barr Foundation in May 2014. Since his arrival, Barr has experienced significant growth. Annual grantmaking has tripled and the staff has more than doubled in size. Prior to Barr, Jim spent over two decades at The James Irvine Foundation, including service as president and CEO from 2003 through 2014. Before working in philanthropy, Jim was a high school English teacher. Jim currently serves as vice chair of the Kaiser Family Foundation and as a trustee of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston Public Library, and Eastern Bank Foundation. Jim’s prior board service includes a ten-year term as a Stanford University trustee and as chair of the boards of the College Futures Foundation, KQED Public Broadcasting, Stanford Alumni Association, and Larkin Street Youth Services, and as vice chair of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Jim’s writings on a range of topics have appeared in the Boston Globe, San Francisco Chronicle, Chronicle of Philanthropy, and Stanford Social Innovation Review, among other outlets. And he has been a featured speaker, panelist, moderator, or guest at a variety of forums dedicated to a stronger social sector, including the Center for Effective Philanthropy, Communications Network, PEAK Grantmaking, and Inside Philanthropy.
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An Enduring Commitment to Racial Equity
Foundation trustees outline key principles for Barr’s racial equity work.
Barr Awards $1.36 Million to Nonprofits Supporting Black Communities in Response to COVID-19
The Foundation’s third set of grants in response to the pandemic focuses on organizations serving Black communities.
Barr Commits $2 Million to Immigrant-Serving Organizations
Newest grants in response to COVID-19 focus on supporting Massachusetts’ immigrant communities.
Investing Resources and Offering Flexibility
How the Barr Foundation continues to respond to COVID-19.
A Message to Our Grantees on COVID-19
Barr’s plans and commitments in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Barr's Equity Journey
Reflections on our ongoing efforts to advance the mission imperative of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Building on Growth as We Enter a New Decade
Barr’s evolution continues with new colleagues, expanded giving.
Announcing Extension of Partnership with Five Community Foundations Advancing Arts Across Massachusetts
Next three years will focus on implementing ambitious plans and expanding successful early efforts, with $5 million in new support from Barr, and partners’ commitments to collectively raise more than $1 million in new local arts philanthropy.